BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited several areas throughout Southern West Virginia on Tuesday to discuss economic development, healthcare, and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects.
Senator Capito made the trip to Mercer County on Tuesday where she met with local leaders and medical staff at Princeton Health Care Center, but not before covering plenty of ground beforehand in the Beckley area.
The Senator’s time in Raleigh County would entail a meeting with WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart and corresponding tour of the campus, as well as a meeting with local leaders including Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold.
“WVU Tech is honored to host U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and key community stakeholders to highlight the transformational investments made through Congressionally Directed Spending requests,” said WVU Tech President Stuart.
“Our community appreciates Senator Capito’s continued interest and support for innovative projects that are paramount to moving Southern WV and our state forward.”
Convening with local leaders, Senator Capito inquired about and discussed ongoing CDS projects, with specific attention given to Subcommittee on Homeland Security items pertaining to stormwater and sanitary improvements in the Robert C. Byrd Drive, Hartley Avenue, Beckley Little League, and Pinecrest areas of Raleigh County.
“We have a lot of congressional directive here, this really led to great economic development in the state,” said Senator Capito during Tuesday’s meeting with local leaders.
“So, what I have here is the Hartley Ave., Beckley Little League, Pinecrest stormwater of $4.1 [million] that both Senator Manchin and I asked for and were able to receive, and the Robert C Byrd Dr. stormwater and sanitary sewer improvements,” the Senator continued before turning it over to Mayor Rappold and Beckley Sanitary Board General Manager Jerimiah Johnson for a “slice of life” on project development.
“We are very excited about the Little League project,” exclaimed Mayor Rappold. “This project has languished for over 50 years,” he said, alluding to a 1972 newspaper headline detailing similar problems in the area which have continued to persist.
“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have made sure West Virginia’s priorities are considered when our nation’s funding decisions are determined,” said Senator Capito following her meeting with Raleigh County leadership.
“I am pleased that many projects in Raleigh County have received needed funding in recent years, and it was great to talk directly with West Virginians who are leading these initiatives.”
Senator Capito’s time in Mercer County brought her to Princeton Health Care Center, where she was able to meet with staff, tour the center, and discuss the center’s initiatives.
“Princeton Health Care Center appreciates Senator Capito for taking the time to tour our beautiful facility. We look forward to discussing issues that currently impact those in the post-acute healthcare sector,” said Princeton Health Care Center CEO and Administrator Stefanie Compton.
Afterwards, Senator Capito met with Mercer County leaders, including members of the Princeton Economic Development Authority (PEDA), who commended the Senator’s efforts in maintaining essential community components.
“The City of Princeton and the Princeton Economic Development Authority appreciates Senator Capito’s visit and the opportunity to discuss regional economic development issues,” said PEDA Director Samuel Lusk.
“Her support played a crucial role in our efforts to provide a community center and other facility updates at the Princeton Municipal Complex. We thank her for all that she continues to do for our community and State.”
Senator Capito likewise acknowledged that exchanges with leadership on the local level are crucial in informing her own work on the national scale.
“Discussions with local leaders who are on the ground in West Virginia are essential to my work in the Senate,” she said. “It was great to meet with officials from Princeton, Bluefield, and communities across Mercer County today to discuss economic development efforts and current projects. I look forward to continuing our work together in the future to grow opportunities in the region and improve the lives of residents.”
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Raleigh County area can be found here, while additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Mercer County area can be found here.